At Electrifying.com, we're big fans of the Kia EV9, and it seems the world agrees—after all, it was named the 2024 World Car of the Year. Now, Kia has taken family driving up a notch with the addition of the EV9 GT to the range, a car it’s calling the ‘most powerful three-row SUV ever created.’

The EV9 GT gets a dual-motor setup, with a 160-kW motor at the front and a 270-kW motor at the rear. Together, they generate an impressive 501 horsepower, launching the seven-seater from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds—speeds which are probably best avoided if you’re on the school run with children who have just eaten their breakfast! 

The GT version will also be the first Kia SUV to feature electronically controlled suspension for extra smooth handling, depending on your drive mode. For added fun, you can press the bright green GT button on the steering wheel to access GT mode, which boosts the suspension to its stiffest setting, while the electronic Limited Slip Differential automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the most grip.

Like the Hyundai IONIQ 5N from Kia’s sister company, the EV9 GT will come with virtual gear shifting that simulates the feel of a traditional step-shift automatic transmission, complete with fake engine noises. As with the IONIQ 5N, you’ll also feel noticeable shifts as the EV9 accelerates. Paddles located on either side of the steering wheel will also allow you to manually shift through the gears, while the “Active Sound Design” works alongside the fake gear system to pump the sound of the gears shifting as the car accelerates—a system which we think delivers a lot of fun in the IONIQ 5N.

Exterior-wise, it now rides on 21-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance Continental tyres, while neon green brake calipers—a hallmark of Kia’s GT models since the EV6 GT—add an eye-catching touch. The front end features a GT-specific Active Air Flap design, enhancing both style and aerodynamics, and if maximum performance is the goal, the GT button on the steering wheel will activate the stiffest suspension setting for you—something we like the sound of.

Inside, you’ll find more bright green accents on the GT-exclusive steering wheel, seats, and other details that create a sporty vibe, while deeply bolstered sport seats with Alcantara suede inserts and embossed GT logos seemed comfortable and supportive when we tried them out.

UK buyers can expect to see it in mid-2025, with prices starting at around £80,000, making it Kia’s most premium model to date.